BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Indiana University Northwest battled through the first half but couldn't keep pace in the second as Olivet Nazarene University (RV) pulled away for a 111–69 win Saturday at McHie Arena. Olivet Nazarene built a lead early and stretched it behind hot perimeter shooting and strong rebounding to close out the home victory.

The RedHawks kept the game within reach through the opening quarter, using quick ball movement to find open looks and 50 percent shooting from deep in the period. Isabella Soria hit from beyond the arc and scored in transition, helping IU Northwest stay engaged as the Tigers maintained a narrow edge. 

IU Northwest responded in the second quarter with energy — Madelyn Murray hit multiple triples and the RedHawks converted efficiently at the foul line — trimming the deficit before halftime. At the break, Olivet Nazarene led 60–33, setting the stage for a fast-paced second half.

The Tigers came out of the locker room firing, connecting on early threes and finishing through contact to open up a double-digit lead. IU Northwest struggled to slow the home team's scoring runs and fell further behind as the third quarter progressed. Though the RedHawks continued to battle and generated looks from three and inside, Olivet Nazarene's depth and rebounding advantage proved decisive.

Soria led IU Northwest with 17 points in the effort, shooting 6-for-9 from the field with a triple and four made free throws. Madelyn Murray added 11 points on 3-for-5 three-point shooting, while Ava Kingery scored nine points and dished five assists. EJ Brown-Griffin chipped in nine points and 11 rebounds for the RedHawks, who finished 8-for-17 from three and shot 84.6 percent (11-for-13) at the free-throw line in the game.

IU Northwest closes the weekend trip and now turns its focus to Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Viterbo University in La Crosse, Wis., with tipoff scheduled for 5:30 p.m..